About Us

HARTS have been established since 1919 and now has extensive premises built on the original site where my Grandfather, the late Walter Hart, was Sturminster Newton's local Blacksmith. This lovely old Market Town (once lived in by Thomas Hardy) is situated in the heart of the Blackmore Vale.

We are one of the UK's largest in store and on line retailers of Cookware, Kitchenware and Kitchen Electrics, stocking a comprehensive range at competitive prices, offering, with great confidence, cookware of unbeatable quality and value.

If you are ever in the West Country please pop in, we would love to see you!

Philip Hart - Managing Director

Our Family Business For 100 Years

At the age of 17 Walter Hart, an apprentice blacksmith and our current MD Philip Hart's grandfather, joined the Royal Field Artillery as a Farrier. In 1919 he was demobilised from the army, and he established his own blacksmith business in Sturminster Newton, just a brief canter away from where we are today.

His reputation and business gradually grew and so, in 1941, Philip's Uncle Bill joined the family business, helping his father shoe horses, mend cart wheels and doing other general repair work. In 1945, Walters second son, and Philip's father, Eddie finished his National Service in the RAF and joined the burgeoning family firm.

In 1949 they outgrew their small workshop, and new premises were constructed on the fringes of a marshy area of town called Butts Pond, and we still call this home to this day. Two wonderful blacksmith shops and forges, costing the princely sum of £800, were erected, sadly neither of which are still standing, but you can still see on display in our store one of the original anvils and shoeing tools used by Philips grandfather, uncle and father all those years ago.

Around the time of the new forges, it was decided to look to branch out. As Eddie was never that fond of horses, he started retailing agricultural ironmongery, and manufacturing basic farm implements.

By 1973, with farrier work in decline, the manufacturing side of the business had taken off, and a brand new factory was built to support this success. Harts was well regarded through the UK farming community, most famous perhaps for its yard scrapers and feed trailers, and exhibited at all the major county shows.

Every Generation Has Made Their Mark

Eddie had created a major manufacturing business, and chose to refuse offers from leading national companies to buy him out. He saw the greater value, like today's generation, in seeing the family business continue.

The current MD Philip Hart joined the business in 1979, and set about transforming the retail shop from an agricultural suppliers into a modern, country department store. The local Hardware Shop had burnt down and closed, and so this was the launch-pad for the retail arm of the business. The old forge buildings were demolished, and a purpose built shop and offices were erected. This was extended in 1984 and 91, and again in 2003 and 2013. The store now encompasses many more departments, including Garden, Tools, Electrics, Camping, DIY, Giftwares, Housewares, Storage, Clothing, Bathroom and of course Kitchen, and is a wonderfully relaxing environment to shop and work in. There are even more development plans in the pipeline, and so the cycle of expansion and improvement continues.

Philip has always had his eye on the next big thing, and with that in mind, in the early nineties Harts took its first tentative steps into mail order. Some early success gave us the encouragement we needed, and our first trading website was launched in 1995, one of the first operational and trading sites anywhere in the country (we had a feature written about us in the Daily Telegraph at the time).

This proved successful, but it was driving forward without a proper direction for a year or two, until Philip's two sons left university, and joined the family firm. Johnathan and Graham were able to bring a much greater understanding of the modern, technological world, the next generational drive to push forward rapidly with our online presence. The right staff and ingredients were in place, and with much hard work and perseverance, as well as some quick lessons learnt, the internet business has grown very rapidly, becoming a well respected, national award winning enterprise. A purpose built 60,000 square foot despatch centre was completed in 2010, and a new suite of sales offices shortly after in 2013, both purpose-built to give our mail order customers the same level of service and efficiency that our store customers have enjoyed for so many years. Graham has three daughters, while Johnathan has a son, so the next generation is all lined up!

The Rest Of The Family

We now employ over 40 staff, all of whom are dedicated to our 'family business' ethos that has always garnered both customer and staff loyalty. We call them our extended family - some have worked here for over 25 years, and all are friends as well as colleagues. Our family business is built on our lovely staff, and they all play an important part in our past, and our future.

Harts Of Stur Today

Over the years our country department store has expanded and now covers over 25,000 square feet. It has become a destination shop, both as a hub in the local community, and as a showroom for our extensive website ranges for those travelling from further afield.

Our legendary customer service goes above and beyond just taking your money; we have staff trained to give advice on virtually everything we sell; we arrange regular demonstrations of kitchen and other equipment to help you make that considered purchase, and we do not stop offering advice and assistance after the sale is made. Our staff are happy to help, and happy to talk, so come join us and experience just how infectious a smile can be.

Our 60,000 square foot despatch centre, from very humble beginnings, is now staffed by 12 full time and one part time employee, all dedicated to ensuring the careful and swift handling, packing and despatch of your goods. The despatch centre is constantly growing and evolving, and is already bursting at the seams, ready for the next round of expansion and development.

We have very close links with our chosen couriers, ensuring the smoothest of transitions - from your order, through despatch and courier, to your door. This is why we have an enviable reputation for reliability, and why we have received a Gold Accreditation from independent reviewer FeeFo.

Our dedicated customer service department is always on hand to help with placing your order or answering any queries or concerns you may have.

Awards

In the past few years we have been recognised in the Industry as a major retailer.

Harts Of Stur have just been voted one of the 'Top 30 Housewares Industry Influencers' We are proud to have won some fantastic awards and are currently finalist in several local and national events.

Feefo Gold Trusted Service 2018

We are delighted to once again achieve the Feefo Gold Trusted Service accreditation for 2018. This is given to companies who have received a Feefo service rating of at least 4.5 from at least 50 reviews between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2017. This is recognition of businesses who consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience and are rated by verified customers to ensure all reviews are genuine.Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a review.

Feefo Gold Trusted Service 2017

To achieve this highly sought after accreditation, companies must receive at least 50 reviews between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2016 with a Feefo service rating of at least 4.5.Feefo recognise businesses that deliver an exceptional experience and are rated by verified customers to ensure all reviews are genuine. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a review.

Excellence in Housewares Awards 2017

Embraced by and known as 'The Oscars' of the housewares industry, we were delighted to win the Excellence in Retailer Initiative for our Kitchen magazine and we also picked up the Oxford Summer School Award for 2017.

eCommerce Awards 2017

We are delighted to be nominated in four categories this year -

Large eCommerce Company of the Year - FINALISTBest Home & Garden eCommerce Site - FINALISTBest eCommerce AdWords Campaign - FINALISTBest eCommerce Customer Service - FINALIST

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2017

Proud winner of Best Online Engagement award as well as being a finalist in four other categories. The awards are one of the most prestigious events on the local business calendar.

Housewares Innovation Awards 2017 - BEST HOUSEWARES RETAIL WEBSITE

FINALIST

The Houseware Innovation Awards shines a spotlight on the UK's most outstanding retailers and suppliers to ensure the consumer gets the quality, service and functionality they expect.

Excellence In Housewares Awards 2016 - EXCELLENCE IN DIRECT RETAILING

WINNER

Organised by Progressive Housewares Magazine in conjunction with the Cookshop & Housewares Association, the awards are now in their 17th year. Affectionately known as the 'Oscars' of the housewares industry, the awards shine a spotlight on both suppliers for service acumen and product innovation and on retailers for their retailing excellence.

The finalists were chosen from an industry-wide poll of housewares suppliers and were judged on their achievements and approach over the past year.

eCommerce Awards 2016

Best Home & Garden eCommerce Site - FINALISTBest eCommerce Customer Service - FINALIST

The prestigious eCommerce Awards highlight the very best on-line companies, on-line retailers, innovations, products, agencies and campaigns the ecommerce industry has to offer.

Dorset Business Awards 2016 - EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

FINALIST

Celebrating the achievements of Dorset's businesses, the Dorset Business Awards have become the region's leading business awards competition and allow companies, large or small, to showcase their talents and achievements.

Organised by Progressive Housewares Magazine in conjunction with the Cookshop & Housewares Association, the awards are now in their 17th year. Affectionately known as the 'Oscars' of the housewares industry, the awards shine a spotlight on both suppliers for service acumen and product innovation and on retailers for their retailing excellence.

The finalists were chosen from an industry-wide poll of housewares suppliers and were judged on their achievements and approach over the past year.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2016 CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

WINNER

The award will go to the company that can provide the best service to the community through their line of work. The company should regularly go 'above and beyond' the call of duty to provide this service and also understand the impact good customer service can have on business profits.

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards puts businesses in Blackmore Vale and surrounding counties firmly in the limelight. Each year fresh new talent is discovered and celebrated sharing the success of established firms and business people. The business awards are a great opportunity for businesses in our region to come together in a relaxed and jovial environment to celebrate and reward the area's best and most innovative companies.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2016 ONLINE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

WINNER

This award celebrates online business growth in the region. Judges were interested in productivity, efficiency, workflow and profitability as well as the overall success of the business.

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards puts businesses in Blackmore Vale and surrounding counties firmly in the limelight. Each year fresh new talent is discovered and celebrated sharing the success of established firms and business people. The business awards are a great opportunity for businesses in our region to come together in a relaxed and jovial environment to celebrate and reward the area's best and most innovative companies.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2016 FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

FINALIST

The award is open to first generation family-owned companies and judges were interested in finding out how the company demonstrates best practice in aspects including developing younger family members/future leaders, working with non-family members and implementing successful generation transitions.

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards puts businesses in Blackmore Vale and surrounding counties firmly in the limelight. Each year fresh new talent is discovered and celebrated sharing the success of established firms and business people. The business awards are a great opportunity for businesses in our region to come together in a relaxed and jovial environment to celebrate and reward the area's best and most innovative companies.

The Housewares Innovation Awards 2016 BEST RETAIL WEBSITE

WINNER

Organised by Datateam Business Media Group, publishers of Housewares Magazine and its digital partner Housewareslive.net the awards are held to celebrate excellence in the housewares sector, shining a spotlight on the UK's most outstanding retailers and suppliers. Other finalists in the category included the Aga Cookshop, ProCook and household giants Lakeland. Of our website, the judges commented: "They have nailed it, it's so easy to use with good search engine optimization."

To win this awards two years in a row and against such tough opposition is a real feather in our cap and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

FEEFO Gold Trusted Merchant Accreditation

We are honoured to be accredited as a Feefo Gold Trusted Merchant for 2016.

It is quite a unique award as the results are based entirely on customer interaction and feedback (no Feefo staff, judges or intervention from merchants) - the accolade is based entirely on performance.

To become a Gold Trusted Merchant a business has to receive an average service rating between 95-100%. We are extremely proud of this accolade and thank each and every customer for taking the time to review both our service and the products we sell. Thank you.

The Housewares Innovation Awards 2015 BEST RETAIL WEBSITE

WINNER

Organised by Housewares Magazine and www.HousewaresLive.net, The Housewares Innovation Awards celebrates the best housewares products, best housewares retailers and best housewares salespeople of the past 12 months.

Excellence In Housewares Awards 2015 DIRECT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

FINALIST

The Excellence in Housewares Awards have been embraced by the industry and recognised as the 'Oscars' for the housewares trade. The awards shine the spotlight on both retailers for their retailing excellence as well as suppliers for their product innovation and service acumen.The awards exemplify the evolving world of housewares with awards categories that span the entire retail spectrum as well as whole product gambit.

The Dorset Business Awards 2015 PRINCECROFT WILLIS FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD

FINALIST

The Dorset Business Awards celebrate the achievements of local businesses and their unsung heroes who have invested time and effort in setting up and running these successful businesses.

They have become the region's leading business awards competition since its launch and they provide an opportunity for the region's business professionals and companies to showcase their talents and achievements.

In 2015 sponsors capped the number of awards to 11 (up considerably from just 5 awards back in 1994), covering a diverse range of businesses - from multinationals to small family run concerns. Past winners have seen their businesses grow and thrive as a result of the publicity that they have received.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2015 SILVER BUSINESS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

FINALIST

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards recognise the strength and success of business in the Blackmore Vale Media's circulation area and have established themselves as the most prestigious event in the local business calendar. They are a fantastic opportunity for the business community in the Blackmore Vale and the surrounding areas to get together in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere to celebrate the area's best and most innovative companies.

The category was open to organisations of any size that have been established for at least 25 years and felt they were working smarter than their competitors to create a business edge.

Excellence In Housewares Awards 2014 DIRECT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

FINALIST

The Excellence in Housewares Awards have been embraced by the industry and recognised as the 'Oscars' for the housewares trade. The awards shine the spotlight on both retailers for their retailing excellence as well as suppliers for their product innovation and service acumen.The awards exemplify the evolving world of housewares with awards categories that span the entire retail spectrum as well as whole product gambit.

Excellence In Housewares Awards 2014 BEST IN-STORE DISPLAY

FINALIST

The Excellence in Housewares Awards have been embraced by the industry and recognised as the 'Oscars' for the housewares trade. The awards shine the spotlight on both retailers for their retailing excellence as well as suppliers for their product innovation and service acumen.The awards exemplify the evolving world of housewares with awards categories that span the entire retail spectrum as well as whole product gambit.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2014 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

WINNER

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards recognise the strength and success of business in the Blackmore Vale Media's circulation area and have established themselves as the most prestigious event in the local business calendar. They are a fantastic opportunity for the business community in the Blackmore Vale and the surrounding areas to get together in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere to celebrate the area's best and most innovative companies.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2014 CUSTOMER SERVICE

WINNER

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards recognise the strength and success of business in the Blackmore Vale Media's circulation area and have established themselves as the most prestigious event in the local business calendar. They are a fantastic opportunity for the business community in the Blackmore Vale and the surrounding areas to get together in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere to celebrate the area's best and most innovative companies.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2014 FAMILY BUSINESS

WINNER

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards recognise the strength and success of business in the Blackmore Vale Media's circulation area and have established themselves as the most prestigious event in the local business calendar. They are a fantastic opportunity for the business community in the Blackmore Vale and the surrounding areas to get together in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere to celebrate the area's best and most innovative companies.

Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2014 RETAILER OF THE YEAR

FINALIST

The Blackmore Vale Business Awards recognise the strength and success of business in the Blackmore Vale Media's circulation area and have established themselves as the most prestigious event in the local business calendar. They are a fantastic opportunity for the business community in the Blackmore Vale and the surrounding areas to get together in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere to celebrate the area's best and most innovative companies.

Excellence In Housewares Awards 2013 DIRECT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

WINNER

The Excellence in Housewares Awards have been embraced by the industry and recognised as the 'Oscars' for the housewares trade. The awards shine the spotlight on both retailers for their retailing excellence as well as suppliers for their product innovation and service acumen.The awards exemplify the evolving world of housewares with awards categories that span the entire retail spectrum as well as whole product gambit.

Excellence In Housewares Awards 2013 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

WINNER - David (buyer)

The Excellence in Housewares Awards have been embraced by the industry and recognised as the 'Oscars' for the housewares trade. The awards shine the spotlight on both retailers for their retailing excellence as well as suppliers for their product innovation and service acumen.The awards exemplify the evolving world of housewares with awards categories that span the entire retail spectrum as well as whole product gambit.

Excellence In Housewares Awards 2012 DIRECT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

WINNER

The Excellence in Housewares Awards have been embraced by the industry and recognised as the 'Oscars' for the housewares trade. The awards shine the spotlight on both retailers for their retailing excellence as well as suppliers for their product innovation and service acumen.The awards exemplify the evolving world of housewares with awards categories that span the entire retail spectrum as well as whole product gambit.